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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →No. You can play Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End without finishing the earlier games. PlayStation says each entry is designed to stand on its own, though the series has continuity. The first three games are optional background that can add emotional context to Nathan Drake’s story—not a prerequisite for following Uncharted 4.
Can you understand Uncharted 4 without the earlier games?
Yes. PlayStation’s official FAQ says players can start with whichever Uncharted game they like: “While there is a general evolving storyline through the series, each game is meant to stand on its own and has a narrative that’s unique.” The FAQ also says the games in Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection can be enjoyed without playing any others in the series.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Uncharted 4: A Thief's End | $6.43 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Uncharted 4: A Thief's End PS4 (Renewed) | $22.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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P4 UNCHARTED THE NATHAN DRAKE COLLECTION PS HITS | $20.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Uncharted 4: A Thief's End - PlayStation 4 (Certified Refurbished) | $17.46 | Buy on Amazon |
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That guidance supports starting with A Thief’s End. It does not mean every returning character or reference will have the same significance to a newcomer. The games share continuity, so prior adventures can give the characters’ history more weight.
What the earlier games add to Nathan Drake’s story
PlayStation describes Uncharted 4 as Nathan’s return to adventure after retirement. His brother Sam reappears, and the story puts Nathan’s past and the people he loves at its center. Knowing the earlier games gives you more history with Nathan and the series; that is an added emotional layer, not information PlayStation identifies as necessary to understand the plot.
#1 Best Overall
- Several years after his last adventure, retired fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, is forced back into the world of thieves.
- With the stakes much more personal, Drake embarks on a globe-trotting journey in pursuit of a historical conspiracy behind a fabled pirate treasure.
- His greatest adventure will test his physical limits, his resolve, and ultimately what he’s willing to sacrifice to save the ones he loves.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood, language, use of alcohol, use of tobacco, violence
The official material does not specify particular plot facts a player must know before starting Uncharted 4. If you would rather reach the new adventure now, you can begin there. If you care most about the fullest character arc, consider playing the earlier campaigns first.
Should you play the first three games first?
Use this simple comparison to decide:
| Choice | What it means | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Start with Uncharted 4 | Skip the earlier campaigns and follow the standalone adventure, with less accumulated character context. | You want to play A Thief’s End now or do not have access to the earlier games. |
| Play the first three, then Uncharted 4 | Take on three earlier campaigns before the fourth game for more background on Nathan’s history. | You value character continuity and want to experience the main series in release order. |
PlayStation’s The Nathan Drake Collection brings together the single-player campaigns from the first three games. The collection is identified as a PS4 release; check your platform, regional availability, and current store or retailer listing before choosing it.
Rank #2
- 1080p
- Dolby 7.1
- Remote Play
- PS4 Pro enhanced
- Subtitle languages: Gr, EN, DE, FR, ES, IT, DK, PT, NL, fi, no, SE, RU, PL, CZ, TR
What order should you play the Uncharted games in?
If you decide to play the earlier games, the straightforward release order is:
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- Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
- Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
You do not need to add Uncharted: The Lost Legacy before A Thief’s End to follow its story. PlayStation’s FAQ says each game is intended to work as a standalone adventure; the first three campaigns are the optional route for someone who wants more of Nathan’s background.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Several years after his last adventure, retired fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, is forced back into the world of thieves.
- With the stakes much more personal, Drake embarks on a globe-trotting journey in pursuit of a historical conspiracy behind a fabled pirate treasure.
- His greatest adventure will test his physical limits, his resolve, and ultimately what he’s willing to sacrifice to save the ones he loves.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood, language, use of alcohol, use of tobacco, violence
Rank #3
- Unparalleled Story – Play as Nathan Drake across a trilogy of thrilling, white-knuckle adventures. Experience Drake’s relationships with those closest to him, as he struggles to balance adventure and family.
- New Trophies – Brand-new trophies created exclusively for UNCHARTED’s debut on the PS4 system.
- Photo Mode – Freeze gameplay at any time and take control of the camera to capture your most memorable moments from the trilogy to share with friends directly from your PS4 system. Utilize graphical filters, camera controls, and other options to customize your shot.
- UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End Multiplayer Beta – purchasers of UNCHARTED: The Nathan Drake Collection will receive exclusive access to UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End multiplayer Beta while the Beta is available.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
